What does this quote mean to you Put

What does this quote mean to you? “Put your nose into the Bible everyday. It is your spiritual food. And then share it. Make a vow not to be a lukewarm Christian. ”

Can I discuss what I know about the Bible?

What do you think is the best selling book in the world?

What do you know about this special book? Why is it important to Christians?

• The word Bible means book, although actually it is a collection of different kinds of books or writings, which we call Holy Scripture. • It tells of God’s love and how people responded to that love. • Much of what is in the Bible started with telling a story orally and passing it on from one generation to the next. Gradually, over a very long period of time the stories were collated and written down.

• Nobody knows exactly when each book was written. We do know that it took a thousand years or more for all the books to be completed. The last book was written at the end of the first century AD • Over many years, many different authors have contributed writings, so there are poetry, letters, prayers, history, documentaries, drama, legend, biography in fact any kind of writing or genre that you would find in a good library.

• All these authors, regardless of the style in which they wrote, wanted to tell one thing – the truth about God and his love for his people. • The Holy Spirit inspired the authors in their writing. This is why the Church family believes that the Holy Spirit is also the author of the Bible. • When Christians read the Bible or listen to the Readings during the Liturgy of Word at Mass, God is truly present and those who hear the Word come, through the power of Holy Spirit, to know and love God the Father and Jesus who was sent by God, to show God’s love for everyone.

• It was written in three different languages and on three different continents. • The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, with a few chapters in the prophecies of Ezra and Daniel written in Aramaic, whilst the New Testament was written in different languages, mainly Greek. • Its many authors include fishermen, kings, prophets, poets and musicians. The Bible has been translated into countless different languages and versions.

How do Christians use the Bible? …for private worship (at home) …for guidance and advice …for public worship (in church) Christians use the Bible… …for teaching …for prayer …as a basis for songs or hymns

• There are 73 books in the Catholic Bible: Catholics have 73 books in their Bible, and not 66, because some Christian Churches do not include some of the books that Catholics do • The Bible is also split into 2 parts – the Old and New Testaments

The Old Testament contains stories, laws, songs, prophecies and history. This was written before Jesus Christ and covers God’s dealings with the Ancient Hebrews. We share this book with Jews.

The New Testament contains the stories about the life of Jesus and all teachings and letters from after Jesus was alive. The first four books of the New Testament are called the Gospels which means good news, and these are about the life of Jesus.

• Both Jewish people and Christians treat Holy Scripture with great reverence and respect because they believe it is the Word of God. • At Mass, the scriptures are placed on a special reading desk called a lectern and are read with care and reverence. • At the end of the reading, the priest kisses the book with care.

Paul, in his letter to the people of Rome, who were suffering persecution for their faith, explains how scriptures help us.

Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us. And may God, the source of patience and encouragement, enable you to have the same point of view among yourselves by following the example of Christ Jesus, so that all of you together may praise with one voice the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Based on Romans 15: 4 -6 Come & See

In your tables, discuss… • What kinds of stories are passed on in your family? What do they tell you about your family? • What do you think the people of God might have thought was important to remember and pass on? • Why is the Bible important to Christians? • When do you hear the Bible being read? • How is the Holy Spirit the author of the Bible?

Tasks Rubies/ crystals - I can give reasons for when and how Christians use the Bible Emeralds - I can describe and show an understanding of the Bible and the beliefs, ideas, feelings and experiences of Christians who read it Diamonds- I can show understanding of how the Bible shapes the lives of Christians

Christians use the Bible when _______ I use the Bible when______ Christians believe that_____ They feel ______ when they read the Bible because_____ I feel ______ when I read the Bible because _______ The Bible shapes the life of a Christian by ______ The Bible has shaped my life by_______

Reflection Now draw a thought bubble like this: What thoughts or questions do you still wonder about the Bible?